CALL TODAY
It is no denying that orthodontic treatment can do wonders for your teeth’ alignment. But did you know that they can also impact your gum health?Orthodontic treatments, such as braces, aligners, and retainers, bring a great change to the oral environment, affecting your gum health.
As orthodontic treatments work to align and straighten your teeth, they introduce changes that influence the gums and surrounding tissues.
Let’s discuss the connection between orthodontics and gum disease, how gum diseases can be prevented, and where you can go for comprehensive dental care in Eugene, OR.
Orthodontics and Gum Diseases: What’s the Connection?
The relationship between orthodontic treatments and gum diseases can be described as a love/hate relationship. Orthodontic treatments like braces, aligners, and retainers work wonders in correcting bad bites and can make it easier to properly clean teeth and gums once the teeth are properly aligned, reducing the risk for gum diseases.
On the other hand, orthodontic treatments such as wires, brackets, and aligners, when in your mouth, can create additional nooks and crannies, making it difficult to clean teeth and gums easily. This can lead to plaque buildup around the orthodontic appliances, increasing the risk of gum inflammation and potential gum diseases.
Ways to Prevent Gum Diseases
To prevent gum diseases and ensure good gum health during orthodontic treatments, following the guidelines mentioned below is essential.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
During orthodontic treatment, brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day. You can also use special orthodontic brushes and floss to clean around the wires and brackets effectively.
Incorporating an antimicrobial mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine is also recommended to reduce the accumulation of bacteria in hard-to-reach areas.
Regular Dental Checkups
During orthodontic treatments, you must visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. During these regular visits, your dentist can detect any early signs of gum disease and provide early intervention to prevent the disease from worsening.
Your dentist or orthodontist may also provide specific instructions on caring for your braces, aligners, or retainers. Ensure you follow the instructions closely to ensure the best gum health.
Watch Your Diet
Sugary and starchy foods can contribute to plaque formation. Therefore, avoid sugary and starchy foods to prevent gum diseases. It is also recommended to avoid incorporating any hard or sticky foods into your diet as they can damage your orthodontic devices, such as braces, and make cleaning more challenging.
Use a Water Irrigator
During orthodontic treatment, if you find straight thread flossing difficult, try using a water irrigator. A water irrigator is a device that emits a pulsating spray of pressurized water between the teeth. The pressurized water loosens and flushes away plaque, reducing the risk of plaque in orthodontic patients.
Dentist Office in Eugene, OR
Whether you need braces, aligners, or retainers to correct your malocclusion or are looking for the treatment of your gum disease, our highly trained and skilled family dentist, Dr. Ari Binder, has you covered. Our highly compassionate dentist and his team are committed to providing you with the highest quality dental care for all your dental care needs.
If you want to meet our dentist for orthodontic treatment, restorative dentistry, or Zoom whitening, please contact our dental clinic today at(541) 689-1645 or fill out our online appointment request form.
